Secret Celebrity Wellness Hack: How Ear Seeding is Changing Lives

Celebrities often lead the way when it comes to introducing peripheral wellness treatments to the forefront of the world's consciousness, and ear seeding - a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - is no exception. Stars such as Chris Hemsworth, Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Gwyneth Paltrow have all reportedly embraced this ancient Chinese practice as part of their holistic wellness routines. Its revived popularity is due to the fact that it's non-invasive (no acupuncture needles required), and discreet, and the end result resembles trendy, intricate ear jewelry.

How Ear Seeding Works for Anxiety

Ear seeding is based on the principles of traditional Chinese belief that the ear represents a microcosm of the entire body. According to TCM, specific points on the ear, known as acupressure points, are connected to various organs, emotions, and functions in the body. By stimulating these points with tiny seeds or beads, practitioners aim to restore balance and harmony in the body's energy systems, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Placement of Beads

The placement of beads or seeds during ear seeding is crucial for targeting specific concerns like anxiety. Some common acupressure points used for anxiety relief include:

• Shen Men (Spirit Gate): Located at the centre of the upper third of the ear, Shen Men is believed to help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
• Sympathetic Nervous System Point: Found at the lower part of the ear near the lobe, this point is associated with the sympathetic nervous system, and its stimulation may help with anxiety management.
• Autonomic Nervous System Point: Positioned at the top of the ear, near the hairline, this point is thought to regulate the autonomic nervous system, which plays a role in the stress response.
• Heart Point: Situated at the upper ear's edge, near the area corresponding to the heart, this point is believed to promote emotional balance and reduce anxiety.
• Adrenal Gland Point: Located just above the Shen Men point, this spot is thought to support the adrenal glands, which are involved in the body's stress response.

The underlying principle of ear seeding aligns with the core tenets of TCM, which emphasise the flow of energy, or "qi," throughout the body. By stimulating particular points on the ear, practitioners seek to restore balance to the body's energy and facilitate natural healing. This non-invasive practice is known for its potential to address a wide range of issues, from pain management and stress reduction to digestive problems and emotional well-being.

"The ear can be likened to a direct conduit to the brain, serving as a direct connection to our inner balance, known as Point Zero. By applying gentle acupressure to the ears, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, ushering in a sense of rejuvenation and tranquillity. With over 200 acupuncture points meticulously mapped within the ear, it emerges as one of the most potent microsystems for holistic well-being," says Ayesha, founder of Point Zero.

Your Guide to DIY Ear Seeding

If ear seeding sounds like an excellent, affordable, and accessible path to self-healing, then good news because you can now purchase your own ear seeding kit from Point Zero.

Point Zero, a UK-based acupoint brand, was founded by friends Hurriyah and Ayesha, who wanted to bridge the gap between ancient Chinese wellness practices and the Western world. They named the brand after the auricular point located at the centre of the ear, known as Point Zero. This point lies directly on the helix root. Near the base of the helix root where it begins to rise, you may feel a notch where Point Zero is located. Indication: Point Zero is the ear point that brings the entire body into balance.

The founders' personal battles with chronic stress-related pain and gut imbalances drove them to explore the transformative potential of acupuncture and acupressure for modern-day stress, pain, sleep, and gut-related issues. Their 24k gold Ear Seeds, available from the store, are an easy, needle-free way to reduce stress while enjoying the beauty of these tiny accessories.

How Does It Work?

Applying the Ear Seeds onto the suggested acupressure points on your ears sends signals (neurotransmitters) to the reflex centres of your brain to relax your nervous system, stimulate endorphins, and reduce the levels of stress hormones like cortisol.

How to Use

1. Clean and Prepare: Ensure your ear and hands are clean before applying the seeds.
2. Apply the Seeds: Utilise tweezers or the included adhesive tape to gently place the seeds on your chosen ear points.
3. Stimulation: Activate the acupressure points by gently massaging or pressing the seeds. This can be done several times a day for brief intervals.
4. Maintenance: Keep the seeds in place for several days, replacing them as necessary. Point Zero ear seeds are designed to stay securely in position.

Ear seeds are single-use, and it's recommended to wear them for up to 5 days at a time. The seeds will slowly lose their stickiness and fall off by themselves. After 5 days, we advise you to peel off any remaining seeds and dispose of them. You can re-apply a new set two days later.